Advent II
The closing procession from Bp. Dolan’s anniversary Mass.
The social hall during Bp. Dolan’s anniversary reception.
Zelus Domus Tuae. An original work composed for the occasion of Bp. Dolan’s anniversary celebration.
✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
We were all a little groggy still last week after the great anniversary celebration. But life at St. Gertrude never stops. It just pauses a moment to recalibrate. So while we recovered, we resumed thinking about Christmas planning, and prepared everything for yesterday’s beautiful feast of the Immaculate Conception. Soon, we will be asking for help (this is our way) for church decorating, inside and out. Somebody remember to do the lights and seal up the fountain! Oh, did you know that one of Our Lady’s titles is the “Fons Signatus,” the “Sealed Fountain?”
I’m still opening and enjoying my many congratulatory cards. It’s so nice to hear from friends and faithful from all over. Again, I am so very touched and thankful. Now, on to the thank you notes… My favorite cards so far were the charming drawings from the French children in Quebec.
Fr. Cekada has been busy writing articles for the internet, some historical in nature, inspired by Bishop Sanborn’s Anniversary sermon. Father also has posted both pictures and music from the celebration, a veritable feast to share with so many friends and interested internet followers.
Meanwhile, Fr. McGuire is away on a long mission trip which includes the seminary where he serves as a quarterly “extraordinary confessor” to the students. In the meantime Fr. McKenna has been with
us, trying to visit our sick. But it’s always a time-consuming struggle to get in touch with the ill and elderly, and be able to set up a time for a visit. You’d think that shut-ins would be more available! But it’s a difficult process. In any case, here’s a prayer intention: That we be able to contact our sick, and visit them for Holy Communion.
Bishop Pivarunas had a “heart event” last week, somewhat similar to Bishop Sanborn’s illness of a year ago. The heart, it suffers strain surely for these big-hearted bishops of ours. Recommend them, heart and all, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Today a nice group of mostly young people is due to be received into the Rosary Confraternity. Next Sunday remember the Christmas Bake Sale, and after that, the Children’s Mission Collection on December 23rd. But in the midst of Advent busyness, carve out some calm, why don’t you. Make that extra Mass. Come back for Vespers and Benediction this afternoon. This Saturday we will offer another beautiful candlelight Rorate Mass at 7:30.
Remember your family Rosary around your Advent Wreath, and slowly setting up the family Crib, with little sacrifices perhaps written on tiny slips of paper to serve as straw for the Holy Child. It’s Advent! Fast, give up, pray, slow down!
May Mary Immaculate prepare your heart and home for Jesus’ coming!
— Bp. Dolan